How many of you use the Gripper and what is your assessment

The Grr- ripper is a rubber footed chunk of hi impact plastic with a fair to middle sized handle on the top.By adjusting the “box” you can set it to cut , rip and guide wood on both a table saw an a jointer.I don’t yet own one but I have a feeling one is on my short list after viewing some recent hand injuries shown on the web.It seems like a good whack of money for the basic unit and them there is more stuff to make it work in more situations so it can be a modest investment.I would like to hear from those of you that have tried the device and rejected it as well as those who have apopted it in their shops.Also is ther a new version that is different than the older version?I can’t make head or tail of the website.

I bought 2 of them a couple of years ago. For many tablesaw jobs, they are a real asset. As with all things, though, they don’t do everything. I use the GRRippers in a leap frog fashion for ripping thin stock, and when dimensioning hardwood. I don’t recall using them for sheet goods. I find that they are terrific for woods that may wander and for smaller pieces. They don’t replace featherboards and pushsticks, but they do add an added way of getting a piece of wood through the saw. If you want to test drive them, I’ll send mine to you to try out. We have a courier that runs to Edmonton everyday, and for 13 bucks you can test drive em for a week or so if you like.

Tom

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

Mot yer too kind. I ‘m most concerned with being able to fit up the new addtions to the older style Grr rippers.I had one in my hands at Lee Valley but couldn’t get the information I needed at the time.

I have two of them. I have usede them for several years and think they are one of the best new products that come along in years. If you buy them get the DVD that tells how to use them and don’t rely on the manual that comes with them. It will make a world of difference in how to use them. Its only about $10.

-- WOOD/DON (...one has the right to ones opinion but not the right to ones own facts...)

I have the GRRippers with all the platforms and doohickeys on them, just not the angled grip lifts and the tailhook. Offer still stands, big fella! I might even be able to find ya the instructional DVD.

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

I had one until recently. I did something rather stupid on my tablesaw and got into a kickback situation. The Gripper got chewed up pretty good, but my hand is fine. Although it got ripped out of my hand and flew into the wall behind me, I don’t think my hand ever came close to the blade.

The thing about the design is that it puts a real protection between you and the blade. In general, it actually rides over the blade; completely enclosing it. It kind of acts like a blade guard. Now that I think about it, if there was one improvement I would make it would be to make it (or maybe just the top) clear, so you could see the workpiece moving through the blade.

I was going to pick up a replacement at Woodcraft last weekend during their sale, but I never made it. It’s on the list.

I got mine at Lee Valley for $69.00 or so with the extra attachments.I used it today for cutting some 1/4’ strips for a jig. This is the first time I have ever been completely comfortable with that cut up against the fence.

It’s a good tool .

LOOKS LIKE IT MAY BE ABLE TO HOLD THE BACON FLAT WHILE IT FRIES TOO. I ‘ll keep you all posted.